Australia to construct replacement Pacific Patrol Boats

On 6 June, Defence Minister David Johnston
announced that the Australian Government has brought forward
an open competition with Australian industry to construct
more than 20 replacement Pacific Patrol Boats.

The
Australian Government will work closely with the Samoan
Government on the replacement for the Samoan Patrol Boat
Nafanua.

The replacement vessel will be steel hulled and
have a greater capability than the current patrol boats. The
design of the vessel will be finalized in close consultation
with partner countries.

Australia’s Maritime
Surveillance Adviser to Samoa, Lieutenant Commander Mal
Parsons, said ‘I am thrilled with the prospect of the new
vessel with its improved capability and the benefits this
would bring for Samoa’. He noted that the Nafanua does a
great job in patrolling Samoa’s waters.

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